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Thursday, February 3, 2011

A Brief Mubuyaeta Ministry Update

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011

Every year is always packed with activity and changes, but 2010 had its fair share of events for the Mubuyaeta family. Elton and I began the year on maternity leave in the States for 6 months. On April 17, we welcomed Quincy Naleli to our family. We returned to Namibia in June 2010 with Quincy in tow. She is quite the popular kid around the village and around town. Everyone is always happy to see her. Now she is 9 months and full of energy.

In July, Quincy and I traveled to Windhoek to continue working on residency papers that I had applied for in May 2009. I am happy to report that in October they were finally approved for both Quincy and I giving us the freedom to live here for 2 years before we have to renew them. This is a HUGE improvement over the permits we were getting for 30/60/90 days.

In August, we moved into our newly built non-traditional traditional house in Mukisa Village to live with Elton's father's side of the family. It was built out of termite mud and wood poles with a metal sheet roof. What makes it non-traditional is the sheer size of it along with a built-in bathroom, complete with tub and a functioning toilet and also a kitchen sink. Most traditional houses would be without those luxuries. We are still working on obtaining running water and some form of power whether it be solar or electric. It also has 2 guest rooms for any travelers that wish to come visit us here.

Also in August, I started to suffer from problems which was a first diagnosed as hepatitis but turned out to be gallbladder problems. After reaching the point of hardly being able to eat anything, fat or otherwise, I finally had it removed in Windhoek hospital in December. Going through surgery in an African hospital is something I hope I never have to endure again. Fortunately, I am much improved but the experience has left me leery of the medical system here.

Since the beginning of 2011, both Elton and I have had malaria and have had numerous problems with the truck. I was hoping for a quiet beginning to this year...

Farewell to Children of Zion

After almost 3 years of service to Children of Zion Village and Mafuta Orphan Care Centre, I have resigned. Elton also has worked there since 2003 and will be leaving at the end of January. We will miss the kids and staff but we wish them God's blessing on their future endeavors. Elton has been appointed Vice Church Elder for the 2011 year at the Katima SDA church. Since this is an unpaid position, he also we be driving a taxi.

Some of our new projects:

Musanga Farm

I came to Namibia the first time in May 2007, I fell in love with the country and its people. When I prayed to God what I was supposed to do here, I received a very simple command of 3 words: Feed My Sheep. Not knowing if this was a literal command or a m ore figurative one, I went with a combination of both. As we've come to this time of transition when I am seeking God's direction I keep getting the same command: Feed My Sheep. We want to start farming soy beans and sunflowers with future expansions to add chickens and domestic projects like sewing and carpentry. Soybeans could be supplied to women and vulnerable children as a nutritious addition to their diet and don't require refrigeration. Sunflower seeds can be made into cooking oil

The Good Samaritan Centre: A HIV/AIDS Nursing Home/Hospice Facility

The Caprivi region where we live has been rated number one in Namibia with people who are infected. The government is caring for physical needs such as medication when they reach a certain stage of the illness and hospital care, but when they are discharged many have no place to go. Many times they may have a family that cares for them but is unable to provide the quality nutrition necessary for the medication to work properly. We hope to provide them with a temporary place to stay to get back on their feet, provide healthy food, education about their disease, and counseling how to cope with the future. This project will be in partnership with many of the local government ministries and foreign NGO's working in Namibia.

Mukisa Kindergarten

In July 2010, we opened a kindergarten for the children living in and around Mukisa Village. We have averaged 15-20 students per month age 3-6 years old. Elton's aunt, Cordelia, is the teacher and she is doing a wonderful job. The biggest challenge the school is facing at the moment is lack of space. The students are meeting in her house in the sitting room. When the weather is conducive they go outside. As you can imagine that amount of students in one cramped room is not ideal. We are praying for the funding to build a small school house near the edge of the village. The cost would be between $1,000-2,000 USD. They will also accept any school/craft supplies anyone is willing to send.

Final Messengers

There is a group of 8 guys from our church who formed a singing group called Final Messengers. Elton has been working with them to help them record a CD. They previously recorded 4 songs that are very popular on the local radio station. Last year they were invited to a number of the local churches for church services, special events and crusades. They hope in the future to raise enough support to be able to travel farther spreading the Gospel message through song.

Coming Home for a visit

Quincy and I will be coming home at the end of February 2011 for a few weeks. Elton unfortunately has to stay behind this trip. Pray for me as I fly more than 18 hours with a very wiggly 10 month old alone. We will be staying with my parents in Albany but making one or two trips to Rochester. If anyone would like me to speak about our new projects at church, bible study, youth group, etc. I'd be happy to do so.